![US ambassador to Turkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack (L) and Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus (R) hold a press conference at al Babdaa Palace in Beirut, Lebanon on August 26, 2025. [Lebanese Presidency / Handout - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/AA-20250826-38929926-38929925-US_SPECIAL_ENVOY_FOR_SYRIA_TOM_BARRACK_IN_BEIRUT-1.jpg)
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack on Tuesday sparked outrage in Lebanon after describing the behavior of journalists as “animalistic” during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Beirut, Anadolu reports. “Please be quiet for a moment,” Barrack told reporters. “The moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we’re gone. So, you want to know what’s happening? Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what’s happening in the region.” His remarks triggered swift condemnation from Lebanese officials and media organizations. In a statement, the Lebanese presidency said it “regrets the statements made from its platform by one of its guests today.” While stressing “absolute respect for human dignity in general,” the presidency reaffirmed its appreciation […]
